Through our Rafik Hariri Center for the Middle East and Scowcroft Middle East Security Initiative, the Atlantic Council works with allies and partners in Europe and the wider Middle East to protect US interests, build peace and security, and unlock the human potential of the region.

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Meet our blogs

MENASource

MENASource follows movements across the region and provides news and analysis on current events, including a platform for Middle Eastern perspectives, among others, on major issues—economic, political, security, cultural—that are at stake in the post-Arab Spring era.  

IranSource

IranSource provides a holistic look at Iran’s internal dynamics, global and regional policies, and posture through unique analysis of current events and long-term, strategic issues related to Iran.

All commentary & analysis

MENASource

Jan 6, 2023

Want peace in Yemen? First, restore the balance of power.

By Sam Mundy and Mick Mulroy

Rather than giving in to the Houthis’ latest demands and withdrawing their support for pro-government forces, the UAE and Saudi Arabia should attempt to restore a balance of power in negotiations.

Conflict Middle East

IranSource

Jan 5, 2023

An Iran opposition coalition was long overdue. It’s an important step forward on the rocky road to change. 

By Ali Fathollah-Nejad

Such a coalition is an important step forward to grant the millions-strong Iranian diaspora a unified and, thus, more effective voice to push the international community.

Democratic Transitions Iran

MENASource

Jan 4, 2023

Jordanians are protesting again. It’s time for economic and administrative reforms.

By Laith Alajlouni

Without tackling the root causes of Jordan’s issues, the country will only delay the crisis and it will snowball into something larger in the future.

Economy & Business Elections

Event Recap

Dec 23, 2022

Governing the ungovernable. Consolidating the Libyan state amidst emerging criminal networks

By Nour Alhajjeh and Alissa Pavia

Libya has endured ten years of turmoil, lack of stability, foreign interference, and internal strife. The presence and proliferation of local armed groups have further eroded state-building processes. Read this event recap to know more about Libya’s future.

Middle East North Africa

MENASource

Dec 23, 2022

2022: A year in the Middle East

By Nour Alhajjeh and Madeline Hart 

2022 was a year full of unprecedented protests, groundbreaking state visits, historical elections, and new challenges for the Middle East and North Africa.

Iran Iraq

New Atlanticist

Dec 23, 2022

Congress just passed a big change to war crimes law. Here’s what it means for Ukraine and beyond.

By Gissou Nia

Now, the US can prosecute war crimes whenever the alleged perpetrator is on US soil, regardless of the perpetrator’s nationality or where the crime was committed.

Human Rights Politics & Diplomacy

New Atlanticist

Dec 23, 2022

The Atlantic Council’s 22 greatest hits of 2022

By Frederick Kempe

Our work to help inform policymakers and the public as we craft solutions to the world’s most difficult challenges has never felt more urgent. Here’s the best of our efforts from a tumultuous 2022.

Economy & Business Energy & Environment

IranSource

Dec 22, 2022

I’m a former Syrian civil society activist. Syrians can’t tell Iranians how to win, but we can share lessons we learned the hard way.

By Ibrahim Al-Assil

Be the Iran you want to see.

Iran Middle East

MENASource

Dec 21, 2022

It’s time for Tunisia’s president to resign. Here’s why.

By Alissa Pavia

The sound of Tunisia’s silence was deafening after only 11.2 percent of Tunisians—one million out of nine million eligible voters—participated in the December 17 parliamentary elections.

Elections Middle East

IranSource

Dec 21, 2022

Khamenei appears to be pushing for subtle reforms in Iran, but it’s all just a ruse

By Anonymous

Ayatollah Ali Khamenei appears to be willing to risk the disintegration of Iran as long as he remains in power.

Iran Middle East
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